“Storytime with Lola & Friends” to Launch on Emirates ICE Entertainment

Starting January 1, 2025, young travellers can embark on delightful adventures with Storytime with Lola & Friends, a new children’s entertainment channel available exclusively on Emirates Airlines’ award-winning ICE entertainment system under the pre-school section.

Created by Dubai-based children’s author Kathy Urban, the channel features beautifully animated adaptations of her much-loved picture books, perfect for young readers and listeners.

Highlights of the Channel

• Hop Lola Hop: Follow the adventures of Lola, a wandering toy bunny whose curious spirit takes her on journeys filled with valuable lessons. With illustrations by British-born illustrator Siski Kalla, this beloved series is brought to life to keep young passengers entertained.

• Kind Little Hands: Kathy’s latest release, which tells the story of a boy’s small act of kindness toward a bee, highlights the importance of nature in urban settings and showing young readers to be able citizens and caring individuals. With illustrations by Sally Garland, the story is narrated by TV presenter and voice artist Katie Overy.

A trailer for the new channel is available here: https://youtu.be/YIhiRRZrpqs?si=g4bjN-Lkd9MvjP78

Championing Children’s Stories

Kathy Urban is a former news journalist turned children’s author known for her captivating stories that educate and inspire young minds. Drawing on her experiences as a parent and her love for nature, Kathy’s books emphasise themes like sustainability, kindness, and belonging.

Her debut book, Hop Lola Hop, was inspired by bedtime stories she told her children. The series has become a favourite in classrooms and homes for its engaging characters and heartfelt lessons. Kind Little Hands, released last month, supports global rewilding efforts by UK-based Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust.

“I’m so pleased to see my stories come to life on such a global platform,” said Kathy. “Emirates ICE is the perfect home for Storytime with Lola & Friends. I hope these stories spark joy, imagination, and important conversations for families traveling together”.

Storytime with Lola & Friends launches January 1, 2025, exclusively on Emirates ICE as part of the pre-school selection.

Born in Germany, Kathy has lived in many countries, including the UK, US, Denmark and now calls the UAE her home. For more information about Kathy’s books and her creative journey, visit www.kathyurbantales.com

Image Credit: Kathy Urban